He asked them to get down, but as they were descending, 40-year-old Ball fell and injured himself. Both men were subsequently arrested.

Ball, of Goms Mill Road, Longton, appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre for sentencing on crutches with his foot and ankle still in plaster.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to steal the lead.

Sam Frazer, prosecuting, said: “The defendant and other man were seen on the roof of the building which is currently surrounded by scaffolding.

“While the officer was on the roof he noticed about 25 metres of lead had been pulled back.”

Ball made no comment when interviewed by the police.

James Hulse, mitigating, said: “Through sheer stupidity and greed he decided to follow his friend up on to the roof. In jumping to the ground as he made his way down, he shattered his heel and broke his ankle.”

Mr Hulse said the defendant wanted to work once he had recovered from his injuries.

Ball was given an eight-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, £100 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

The defendant also admitted an unrelated offence of breaching a non-molestation order, and was given a 12-month community order with supervision, and a £100 fine.

The Queens Theatre is the oldest surviving theatre in the Potteries.

It was originally commissioned in 1910 as a town hall and opened to the public the following year.

In recent years the theatre has undergone roof repairs costing thousands of pounds.

Steve Ball, leaseholder of the theatre, said he hoped this case would put off future lead thieves from targeting the venue.

He said: “I’m very disgusted that people find they have to go into historic buildings and contribute to their destruction.

“In a nutshell, it’s not just a bit of lead. People have put thousands of pounds and hours into these buildings and it’s had far-reaching consequences.

“He broke this ankle this time but he could have quite easily killed himself. I hope it’s a lesson for other thieves in the area.”

*** would u know I lived with him fa 22yrs hes treated me and my kids live **** so I think u will find that's disgusting as for the meat don't know where hes been taking it but it certainly wasn't mine so ask him him who liar was selling it to TEZ BALL IS A COMPULSIVE LIAR CHEAT AND THIEF IF U BELIEVE U HIM U WILL BELIEVE ANYTHING.

im his ex wife with his 8 chidren I agree this wont deter him but he wasn't stealing for his chidren we separated nearly a yr ago and hasn't given his children a penny tez ball shoud be sent to prison.

im his ex wife with his eight children and I agree this will not deter him but he wasn't stealing for his children we separated nearly a yr ago and hasn't given his children a penny Terence should be sent to prison.